Fired Stoughton police sergeant gets three years in prison for corruption

Monday

Aug 27, 2007 at 12:01 AMAug 27, 2007 at 6:24 AM

A fired Stoughton police sergeant was sentenced to three years in state prison Monday for crimes of corruption in a scandal that rocked the town's police department.

By Allan Stein

A fired Stoughton police sergeant was sentenced to three years in state prison Monday for crimes of corruption in a scandal that rocked the town's police department.

Norfolk Superior Court Judge Barbara Dortch-Okara sentenced David M. Cohen to three years in state prison plus 150 hours community service and anger management for attempted extortion; 2 1/2 to three years to be served concurrently for witness intimidation, and one year also to be served concurrently plus probation for filing the false report.

Cohen stood expressionless as the court clerk read his sentence.

His mother, Carol Cohen, and other friends and family members sobbed uncontrollably in the audience. More than 80 supporters filled the courtroom.

Cohen's father, Roy Cohen, directed his anger at Stoughton resident Dick Murphy, who spoke out against the indicted police officer on his weekly local cable access show.

"I hope you're happy, Murphy. You caused it," Roy Cohen shouted.

"We'll get you," an unidentified supporter of David Cohen shouted.

Cohen, 41, a Stoughton attorney, had been acquitted on July 30 of six other charges, including kidnapping and having a financial interest while acting as a police officer.

In accordance with civil service rules, Cohen was fired from the police department, where he had been an officer for 19 years.

The charges stem from two incidents, one involving a used car salesman on Jan. 20, 2000, another involving a Stoughton businessman seeking venture capital on April 30, 2002.

In the two incidents, Cohen was accused of using his authority as a police officer to collect debts for friends and a business associate.

Cohen had been receiving his yearly salary of $83,000 plus benefits after selectmen placed him on paid administrative leave in 2005 following his indictment. While on suspension, Cohen collected more than $165,000. As of Aug. 13, Cohen is no longer on the department payroll, officials have said.

Co-defendant Robert E. Letendre, a Stoughton police officer, was acquitted by a Norfolk Superior Court jury of making a false written police report to protect Cohen from prosecution and being an accessory after the fact to a kidnapping.

The trial of former police chief Manuel J. Cachopa on two related charges is scheduled to begin in Norfolk Superior Court on Oct. 29.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
Waynesboro Record Herald - Waynesboro, PA ~ 30 Walnut St. Waynesboro, PA 17268 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service